Embezzlement Defense Lawyer in DuPage County

Oak Brook, IL Attorneys Helping Defend Against Charges of White Collar Crime

The state of Illinois takes theft very seriously, and perpetrators of these crimes are often prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Investigations involving white collar crimes can be especially complex, and they have far-reaching consequences. One crime which receives a great deal of scrutiny is embezzlement, which can occur when an employee steals money or property from their employer or when someone improperly manages their family member's finances for their own gain.

If you are facing embezzlement charges, it is essential to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., our attorneys can work to protect your rights during an investigation, putting you in a strong position for defense and helping you avoid a conviction.

Embezzlement Under Illinois Law

Embezzlement is a specific type of theft that occurs when the perpetrator has a fiduciary relationship with the victim, meaning that the perpetrator has been entrusted to manage the victim's money or property for the benefit of the victim. In order to be considered embezzlement, the perpetrator must have intentionally taken the victim's property for their own or someone else's personal gain.

Embezzlement is prosecuted under Illinois' theft statute (720 ILCS 5/16-1), and penalties are based on the value of the stolen property:

• Less than $500 - If the victim is not a person, (that is, money or property was stolen from an organization, business, or corporation), this is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. If the crime occurred in a school or a place of worship, or if government property was stolen, this is a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by one to three years in jail. If the victim was a person, This is a Class 3 felony, which is punishable by two to five years in jail.
• $500 - $10,000 - This is a Class 3 felony. If the crime occurred in a school or a place of worship, or if government property was stolen, this is a Class 2 felony, which is punishable by three to seven years in jail.
• $10,000 - $100,000 - This is a Class 2 felony. If the crime occurred in a school or a place of worship, or if government property was stolen, this is a Class 1 felony, which is punishable by four to 15 years in jail.
• $100,000 - $500,000 - This is a Class 1 felony. If the crime occurred in a school or a place of worship, or if government property was stolen, this is a Class X felony, which is punishable by six to 30 years in jail.
• $500,000 - $1,000,000 - This is a Class 1 felony, and offenders will not be eligible for probation.
• More than $1,000,000 - This is a Class X felony.

In addition to jail time, a felony conviction carries a maximum fine of $25,000.

Contact a Lombard Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are being investigated for embezzlement, or if you have been arrested and charged with a white collar crime, the skilled, experienced attorneys at Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. can provide you with the representation you need. We will help you understand your options for fighting the charges, and, if necessary, work to reach an agreement with prosecutors or defend you in court. Contact our DuPage County embezzlement defense attorneys at 630-472-9700 to schedule your free consultation. We represent clients in Wheaton, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Burr Ridge, Western Springs, and throughout DuPage, Will, Kane, and Cook Counties.